by
Sandro Pintus
The proof that this painting is by Giotto
was found during its restoration
It was not at
all easy to be absolutely sure that this valuable painting was by Giotto.
How did the experts come to the conclusion that it was by this artist?
What finally convinced them of its true attribution was the halo of the
Madonna, painted so masterfully that it could only have been carried out
by Giotto da Bondone.
Giotto da Bondone |
Several lightly drawn images (like the gryphon or other imaginary
animals and grottesque figures), not one of which is alike and naturally
carried out by hand, can be picked out on the gold leaf of the halo. Only
a sensitive and precise painter like Giotto would have been capable of
carrying out such a difficult operation without ruining the extremely
delicate layer of gold leaf. This magnificent painting is today back in
place and has been able to provide its restorers and lovers of art a great
deal of information that would have otherwise been impossible to acquire
without its restoration.
Giotto da Bondone |
The painting can now be admired in the new museum in the church of
Santo Stefano a Ponte, where it was originally damaged, just a short distance
away from the Ponte Vecchio. See also: The
Madonna by Giotto-Restoration techniques The
Madonna by Giotto, restored after the explosion of the bomb at the Uffizi
FAN-Florence
ART News
a cura di
Silvia Messeri
& Sandro Pintus
|
